Thursday, August 27, 2020
The psychology of anti-maskers
Some people refuse to wear masks, despite their known effectiveness vs. COVID-19.
Dr. Thad Leffingwell is a clinical health psychologist and professor at Oklahoma State University. In his years at OSU, he’s worked his way up to being the head of the psychology department. The O’Colly interviewed Leffingwell about the psychology behind the decisions to not wear masks, and to go to large gatherings during a pandemic. Q: What goes into the psychology of someone refusing to wear a mask? A: It’s complicated. I think there’s lots of explanations why a lot of folks are struggling to wear masks. I think part of it is the psychology of risk and risk perception that we’re dealing with low-base rate risks and not that’s something that we hu-
mans are very good at adjusting our behavior around. We tend to adjust really well for acute risks, like “don’t play with fire,” but things that seem to be long term far away, or unseen risks, we have a hard time remembering those and believing those. I think that’s the baseline problem as far as our human nature. I think the other problem we have right now is the unfortunate politicization of mask wearing where it’s “are you blue team or red team?” Whether you wear a mask is tied up in political slogans about freedom or collective action that I think drives a lot of the mask wearing or refusal to wear a mask right now is unfortunately a political statement, not so much a public health action.
Q: Let’s say it’s not a mask. Let’s say there’s a device you had to hold on to, or a shirt you had to wear, that guaranteed 100% immunity to COVID-19. Do you think that, even with 100% protection, there would still be opposition to it? A: That’s a fun thought experiment. I think probably among some because it would bend on who’s telling them to wear the shirt. If it comes from somebody who they perceive to be a leader of their team, maybe so. But if it was coming from the other side, maybe not. Your experiment makes me think of something else that’s a problem with mask wearing is… if you ask the question “do masks work, or
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do they not work?” it depends what you mean by “work.” So if the standard is, in your thought experiment, that the shirt you wear 100% prevents COVID, well of course there is no such thing as that does anything like that, including masks. So wearing masks, on the one hand we know that even if both parties wear a mask and one party is shedding the virus, the person who doesn’t have the virus could still contract the virus, it just dramatically lowers the chances. But does it 100% prevent infection? No it does not.
Continued on page 2
Page 2 Thursday, August 27, 2020
O’Colly
News
Unsplash
Masks protect others from spreading COVID-19 through water droplets.
Continued from page 1 Does it drive down community spread? Yes. So if that’s what you mean by “do masks work?” Yes, it slows down the spread, it reduces the portion of the population and the rate of infection over time, but it doesn’t 100% protect anybody wearing a mask. So I think some people when they say “masks don’t work,” they’re picking up on that piece that “well it doesn’t guarantee, I can still catch COVID.” That doesn’t mean masks don’t work. It means they don’t work the way you’re defining them to work. They’re dramatically shifting the odds. In fact, that’s how almost every safety precaution we take works. Wearing seatbelts, keeping your trigger off of a weapon if you’re a per-
son who uses firearms, locking up your weapons, don’t play golf in a thunderstorm. All of those things reduce your chances of very bad things happening dramatically, but we still have accidental gun violence, we still have people struck by lightning and we still have people die in car accidents. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear a seatbelt or keep your finger off the trigger. Q: Have you been impressed or displeased with OSU student’s mask compliance so far? A: My observation on campus has been very positive. I have not personally observed anybody not complying with the mask expectations. I think I’ve seen peo-
ple outside without masks that I would have rather they not be so close to other people, but usually I saw a mask in their hand and that means they’re probably putting it on to go inside. I think that’s a good thing. But personally, I’ve been very impressed with student behavior on campus. I’ve been here 20 years and I’ve found OSU students to be by and large respectful of the rules, respectful of authority, respectful of one another when they’re on campus and I’m very impressed to see that continue with the masks. Q: What’s the mentality of someone who is throwing a party or going to a party or bar during a pandemic?
A: This is just speculation, but I think part of it is that for students, they view this time in their life as a very precious and fleeting time. Opportunities that get missed to do things that are part of the college experience feel like a real sacrifice because it’ll never be able to be repeated. So I think that’s part of it. I think part of it too is the fact that once there’s a critical mass, that there’s people willing to come to your party, you’re more bold to have that party. If nobody shows up to your party, you’re probably not going to be so bold about having the party. I think it’s kind of a groupthink phenomenon that if enough people gather who seem to be like minded about it, they all get a bit more bold about it.
O’Colly
Thursday, August 27, 2020 Page 3
Lifestyle
Shake Smart review
Amelia Jáuregui
Shake Smart is the newest addition to the Student Union restaurant family.
Amelia Jáuregui Staff Reporter Shake Smart replaced Jamba Juice in the Student Union earlier this month and already exceeds expectations. Two college students started Shake Smart because they found difficulty in finding healthy and accessible food options while living the “college on-thego lifestyle.” OSU’s newly-opened Shake Smart is one of only 21 locations across the nation. Shake Smart is
dedicated to fruits, vegetables and highquality whey isolates. The company offers vegan, glutenfree and lactose-free options, while also fully believing in the “power of protein.” Being a vegetarian, I was very excited to hear about this new and healthy food option on campus. While being vegetarian and eating healthy don’t necessarily correlate, these healthier options often have a more dietary-friendly menu. Upon my arrival,
I immediately noticed the bright and natural aesthetic that Shake Smart was going for. While the student union itself was fairly dark, this specific vendor had glowing white walls and pictures that can make your mouth water. It almost felt that Shake Smart was “too good” for its surroundings. As for the menu, there were so many items to choose from. From “classic” shakes, to “specialty” shakes, to the “greens and veggies” and “exotic”
ones, too. It took me quite a few minutes to decide on what I wanted, but I ended up ordering the Pink Cadillac shake and the original acai bowl. To begin, protein shakes have never really been my thing. To me, the taste of the protein powder usually dominates over the other ingredients, and makes the drink less enjoyable. However, to my surprise, this shake wasn’t like that. Yes, the protein flavor
was definitely noticeable, however I was able to enjoy the entirety of the creation, and not just the one flavor. And to be honest, the name “Pink Cadillac” was a perfect fit. When my order was ready to pick up, I saw the brightest shade of pink sitting in that cup. I knew the pitaya would be the main source of color, but I was truly not expecting it to be so vibrant. As for the acai bowl, that’s when I truly knew I would be coming back.
In my hometown, there are plenty of places to get acai bowls, but the prices usually go anywhere between $8 to $12. At Shake Smart, you can get a bowl in the $6 range, which is much more affordable for the typical college student budget. Because of the prices and the convenience, I would recommend Shake Smart to anyone. Shake Smart is exactly what you’re looking for if you need quick and healthy food.
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O’Colly
Sports
Bundage is back
O’Colly
Calvin Bundage is finally returning for the OSU defense.
Jacob Sturm Staff Reporter With less than a month until the Oklahoma State football season starts, the Cowboys are returning a familiar defense with one longawaited addition: the return of Calvin Bundage. Bundage, a redshirt senior from Edmond, sat out the entirety of the 2019 season with an injury. Bundage returns to the linebacker position and could have an impactful role behind Malcolm Rodriguez and Amen Ogbongbemiga. An inexperienced linebacker corps the past season will be anything but that in 2020. OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles explained the importance Bundage
has become for the Cowboy defense. “I think it’s like anything in life,” Knowles said. “If it gets taken away from you, you really appreciate it more. Calvin just is more locked in than he has ever been. Just focused. Right away we get him coming off the edge, him on one side, Trace (Ford) on the other. There’s two serious threats. But he is just locked into everything he is doing. Seems to really appreciate football.” Bundage has made an impact on the younger players on the team, and it has been noticed. Cameron Murray has noticed the veteran work ethic Bundage brings and sees its impact. “Some guys look up to him because Calvin is always on go, ready to go,” Murray said. “So, with him, it’s just they see him
doing that so they want to do it just like him.” A return to the field will work wonders for Bundage when the season begins Sept. 12. Until then, the defense can only assess his impact from what happens in fall camp. “It’s a real good bonus,” Murray said. “Calvin the year before got into an injury or whatever happened and him getting back, just seeing him move around in fall camp is a great sight to see because you can just tell he’s in shape now and moving around fluid. It just makes our defense better with him on it.” sports.ed@ocolly.com
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Thursday, August 27, 2020 Page 5
Sports
Vivian Gray transfers
Jacob Sturm Staff Reporter Oklahoma State women’s basketball team lost another player to the transfer
portal during the offseason. Vivian Gray has entered the transfer portal. Gray entered the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate
and will be available to play immediately at her next school, per Micah Allen of SB Nation. Gray, a finalist for the top small for-
ward in the country in 2019, averaged 19.3 points per game. The total was second-best in the conference. She was also an honorable
mention All-American each of the past two seasons, her only two in Stillwater. Gray is the second Cowgirl to transfer
in the past week, with Bryn Gerlich joining Texas Tech where her mother was hired earlier this month. sports.ed@ocolly.
Page 6 Thursday, August 27, 2020
O’Colly
Sports
Mike Holder sends message to fans about tickets
Follow the O’Colly on Social Media! @ocolly - Twitter/Instagram O’Colly - Facebook O’Colly Media Group - Youtube
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ZACCHAEUS WAS A LITTLE MAN!
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The story of Zacchaeus is found in Luke19:1-10. He was a wealthy tax collector; not well looked upon by the people. Jesus was passing through Jericho where Zacchaeus lived and he wanted to see Jesus. He had a problem! He was very short and could not see him because of the crowd.and you imagine him straining and jumping trying to get a glimpse of Christ to no avail . Many people would have given up, but not this man. Would you like to truly see Jesus or get to know him better? Take a lesson from Zacchaeus; don’t give up! Finally he ran up ahead,found and climbed a sycamore tree just to get a view of this person he had heard about. As Jesus passed by the tree, he looked up and called Zacchaeus by name. “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Sometimes we think God does not really know or care for us. He knew Zacchaeus and he
knows you. The Lord knows all about you! Zacchaeus wanted just a glimpse of Jesus, but he received much more. As you reach for a little of Jesus, God is going to give you more, and this man welcomed it gladly. This visit with Jesus changed Zacchaeus so much. His life took a definite turn. He wanted to become an honest man and get his life straightened out with others. Jesus said, “Salvation has come to this house.” Jesus came to deliver people from their selfish ways, and bring them into a true relationship with God. Be encouraged to go for Christ, Don’t give up because of hindrances. God has more for you than you can imagine. It will change your life for eternity..God is faithful to finish what he starts! .
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Classifieds
Help Wanted
Houses For Rent
Horse Stables
Student Ad Reps Needed
Now Available 2-bedroom, 1-bath, Living Room, Dining room, all appliances, washer/ dryer hookups, CHA. 1100 sq. ft. Pets negotiable. 2214 E. 6th Ave. On Scarlett bus route.
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The O’Colly at OSU is now taking applications for student ad representatives. Duties include contacting clients and providing them with advertising options for print editions, online editions, special editions and advertising bundling specials. Students should be able to work office hours and meet clients at their businesses. Salary includes base pay, commission and bonuses. To apply come to room 106 in the Paul Miller Journalism office.
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Misc. Services Church Parking 1 block from Eskimo Joe’s, $100 per year. Go to salemosu.org or call 372-3074 for more info.
Thursday, August 27, 2020 Page 7
News
FOR RELEASE AUGUST 27, 2020
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 “Amanpour & Co.” network 4 Enough and then some 9 Strand during a hail storm, say 14 GPS finding 15 Take it easy 16 “__ Rae” 17 Put to work 18 Small earthen pot 19 Huge success 20 Sandwich in Denver? 23 Astronomical octet 24 River Foyle’s province 28 Form 1099 agcy. 29 Japanese sandal 31 Hullabaloo 32 Puts up, as drapes 35 Sandwich on the briny? 37 Scott of “Big Little Lies” 38 Examined in court 39 Metric prefix 40 Sandwich in the neighborhood? 42 Like a soufflé, if everything goes well 43 Busy mo. for the 28-Across 44 Senate staffer 45 Some MIT grads 46 Wright who quipped, “Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time” 48 Elaborate wardrobe 52 Sandwich at a church concert? 55 Left 58 Bugs with weapons 59 Oral health org. 60 Musical work 61 Revise 62 Casual greetings 63 Gets the kitty going 64 They may be pressing 65 Neruda verse
8/27/20
By Andy Morrison
DOWN 1 Zaftig 2 Pho garnish 3 Inscribed pillar 4 Quiver carriers 5 Rates 6 Promotes 7 Mascara target 8 Corp. bigwig 9 Pancreatic hormone 10 “The Gift of the Magi” gift 11 Stat for Clayton Kershaw 12 Online chats, briefly 13 “Hard pass” 21 “The Imitation Game” encryption machine 22 Shockingly vivid 25 Zaps 26 Elicit 27 Sign of spring 29 Former name of the Congo 30 Cookie with a Tiramisu Flavor Creme variety 32 “Papa Bear” of football 33 Take on
Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
34 Mother-of-pearl 35 TV’s talking horse 36 Acquirer of more than 1,000 patents 38 Doohickey 41 Ophelia’s brother 42 Does some jogging? 45 Task for a gofer 47 Word with mail or box
8/27/20
48 Say yes 49 You can cross it in about an hour on I-90 50 Fixed up 51 Remove all traces of 53 Grace period? 54 Alaskan seaport 55 Place for a peel 56 Map insert 57 Service to redo
Daily Horoscope By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Today’s Birthday (08/27/20). Romance, creativity and fun light up this year. Realize a passionate dream with consistent action. Make plans with your partner. Social gains this summer inspire the solution to a romantic puzzle. Winter’s professional restrictions motivate domestic improvements. Fill your home with love. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — You’re attracting the attention of an important person at work. Go for reality over fantasy. Hope bursts through again. Let a friend inspire you. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Study and research. Each new advance presents new challenges. You’re exceptionally creative now. Dream big. You’re making a good impression. Dreams can come true. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Align on the best direction for shared finances. Moves made now can have lasting benefit. Dreams come true through organization, coordination and collaboration. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — You and a partner share a shining vision. Balance assertiveness with intuition and emotional sensitivity. Mutual attraction can grow and last. Dream about love. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Maintain healthy moves. Take action to realize a physical dream or ambition. Practice pays off with an exceptional performance. Steady routines lead to growing ease. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Long-term benefits arise through bold declarations and actions made today. Realize a romantic dream. Dance and flirt with someone attractive. Enjoy the ones you love. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Home and family take priority. Discuss dreams and aspirations. Create works of beauty, fragrance and flavor. Make a special connection. Discover hidden treasure. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Your quick action draws praise. Put in extra effort. Articulate an inspiring vision. You can get what you need by making powerful requests. Exceed expectations. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Stay flexible with shifting circumstances. A lucrative opportunity unfolds naturally. A dream lies within reach. Show what you can do. Provide excellent service. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — You’re in the spotlight. Smile and speak from your heart. Deliver an inspiring vision. Draw upon hidden resources. Realize personal dreams with focused intention. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Plan your moves in advance. You have the discipline to see them through. Consider longterm consequences. Anticipate potential opportunities. Prepare for later harvest. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Connect for a common prize. Dreams get realized through teamwork and coordination. Work out roles and responsibilities. Delegate tasks. Together you’re unbeatable.
Level 1
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8/27/20
Solution to Wednesday’s puzzle
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk
© 2020 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
Page 8 Thursday, August 27, 2020
O’Colly
2020 will go down as a historic year.
Come cover that history. Apply to the O’Colly today at Ocolly.com